NIST Archives

Thermodynamic modelling of dynamic cell phenotypes

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The observed traits, or phenotypes, of living cell populations depend on complex networks of biological processes. How cells process information through those biochemical networks can be described by the mathematics of statistical thermodynamics. Through research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a multidisciplinary team has clearly shown how the physics of thermodynamics can enable an understanding of […]

Weighing weightless photons for laser-based manufacturing

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Laser beam machining has become a routine part of many industries.

It may be hard to believe that a beam of light can melt steel, but that is exactly what happens during laser beam machining. Using lasers for processing has become increasingly common but knowing exactly how much energy and heating occurs during these processes is a challenging task. This is why colleagues Dr John Lehman and Dr Paul Williams at […]